By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Olimpia Milano opened the 2025/26 season by winning the Italian Supercup, and has now started the EuroLeague campaign with a win.
After the opening victory over Crvena Zvezda at Belgrade Arena, head coach Ettore Messina reflected on the performance.
Messina was pleased with how his team handled the opener, even if there were lapses in focus during the game:
“I think for most of the game we were ahead, then Crvena Zvezda took the lead in those two or three minutes when we were disconnected on the court. In that moment their veterans took control. And that is the most important thing: you need players who don’t panic and make the right decisions. Beyond the win, that’s the biggest takeaway. Our defense wasn’t always consistent, but for the first EuroLeague game of the season, it’s encouraging.”
He also spoke about Marko Gudurić, who made his long-awaited debut and delivered in crunch time despite limited preparation:
“He came back from EuroBasket with tendinitis, he didn’t play in the Supercup. He worked individually, and before the Supercup he practiced twice, but it wasn’t worth the risk. He kept working individually, and today we believed he could give us a hand. Obviously, he didn’t play big minutes, but we tried to use him in crucial moments. And like a champion, he made important shots, but above all, he stayed calm. That’s exactly what these players must do. We’re all happy to have him with us.”
Finally, Messina paid tribute to Giorgio Armani, the legendary fashion icon and longtime owner of Olimpia Milano who recently passed away:
“Personally, it’s a great loss. He treated me, and I don’t want to make an exaggeration, like a son. Always present in every moment, good and bad. I’ll always be indebted to him for the opportunity to work with the club. Looking ahead, Mr. Dell’Orco and his family are now leading the club, and today he was here for our first game of the season. The club is part of the company, it’s not something separate; we will keep moving forward in the best possible way. Our job is to keep the club at the highest possible level and make the Armani family proud to have Olimpia among their assets.”